Saddle support structure

ABSTRACT

A support structure having a seat surface, particularly for pedal operated machines, such as bicycles, comprises a substantially rigid or semi-rigid frame, means for connecting the frame to the pedal operated machine, a yieldable padding secured to the top face of the frame, a covering layer superimposed to the yieldable pad, wherein the frame has one or more differential rigidity portions, preferably adapted to facilitate the pedaling motion. The differential rigidity portions are preferably situated at an outer peripheral edge of the frame, along which at least one recess is provided. Each differential rigidity portion comprises a plurality of outwardly extending projections.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation application of PCT/IB2003/004334, filed Oct. 1,2003, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and theapplication claims the benefit of Italian Priority Application No.V12002A000208, filed Oct. 1, 2002.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention finds application in the field of cycles and similarproducts and relates to a support structure having a seat surface forusers of pedal driven machines or vehicles.

BACKGROUND

In the field of pedal driven machines, such as bicycles, tricycles,exercise bicycles, or the like, numerous examples of support structures,or saddles, are known, which are adapted to support users on a seatsurface.

A saddle generally comprises a rigid structure adapted to support thebody weight of the user and allows attachment of the saddle onto abicycle or similar vehicle by suitable fastening means.

In order to reduce compression at the contact points between the seatsurface and the user it is common to use elastic and/or shock absorbingelements, generally made of polymeric foam or a material having aviscous behavior, interposed between the seat surface and the rigidstructure.

During pedaling, the inside thigh areas of the user repeatedly contactthe side periphery of the saddle, thereby causing periodic rubbing andconsequent local irritations, unless particular arrangements areprovided.

A possible solution consists in reducing the extension of the rigidstructure or making it partly pliable at the side edges of the saddle,said edges being mainly formed by a soft material, adapted to beelastically deformed during the pedaling activity. This allows to reducethe contact action of the side edges of the saddle on the relevant bodyareas but leads to other drawbacks.

A first drawback consists in that the presence of such pliable edgesreduces the surface in contact with the user's body and, as a result,increases the pressure exerted by the saddle.

A second drawback associated with such pliable side edges is that theycause the rigid structure to be permanently, and often unacceptably,weakened.

One solution to reduce or avoid contacts and repeated rubbing againstthe inside thighs consists in using additional soft pads, placed at theside edges of the saddle.

Published U.S. Patent Application 2002/0069464 discloses an additionalpad to be fitted to the outside surface of a saddle. Such additional padconsists of two substantially parallel soft tubular members, which areconnected by a flexible member made of fabric or similar material. Theflexible fabric member has such a size that, once it is laid over theseat surface of the saddle, the two soft tubular members are situatedalong the side edges of the saddle, in areas at highest contact with theinside thighs of the user.

An apparent limit of this solution lies in that the additional pad, whennot properly secured, may be displaced during use, due to the motion ofthe legs, and is in any case a supplement member, which has to berepeatedly checked for proper positioning. Further, the use of anadditional member necessarily implies a more complex construction,requires particular care in mounting operations, and greatly changes theaspect of the saddle.

PCT Publication WO 00/51877, U.S. Pat. No. 6,019,422, and British PatentNo. GB 2184698 disclose several embodiments that may be all associatedto the same operation principle. The saddle is of the conventional type,with a rigid structure covered with a soft material, which is designedto improve the comfort of the seat surface. Any possible rubbing againstthe inside thighs of the user is attenuated by appropriate swingablemeans for securing the saddle to the frame of the pedal operatedmachine. Such swingable fastening means allow the saddle to rotatethrough a limited angle about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axisof the saddle. By this arrangement, during the pedaling action, thesaddle may rock on the side of the pushing leg and the pressures exertedon the inside thigh are reduced.

A common drawback of all these embodiments consists in the remarkablycomplicated structure introduced by the used of these swingablefastening means, and by the consequent increase of construction costs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A main object of this invention is to obviate the above mentioneddrawbacks, by providing a support structure for a bicycle or other pedaldriven machine, which is adapted to fit the muscles of the legs andbuttocks, and to provide high wellness and comfort during use.

A further object of the invention is to provide a support structurewhich has a sufficiently wide seat surface and such a shape as to limitcompression both caused by the user's weight and by the pedaling motion,which are exerted in the inside thigh areas of the user.

A particular object is to provide a support structure which fits usersof different statures and sizes.

Another particular object is to provide a support structure which iscost effective and achieves the desired performance without requiringexpensive additional elements or excessively complicated constructions.

Yet another particular object is to provide a support structure which iscomfortable and safe even when the user stands on the pedals of thebicycle or the like.

An additional object is to provide a support structure that may beshaped in such a manner as to have a pleasant aspect.

These objects, as well as others that will be more apparent hereinafter,are achieved by a support structure having a seat surface, particularlyfor bicycles and other pedal operated machines, comprising asubstantially rigid or semi-rigid frame, means for connecting the frameto the bicycle or a pedal operated machine, a yieldable pad secured tothe top face of the frame, a covering layer superimposed to saidyieldable pad, characterized in that the frame has one or more portionsof differential rigidity adapted to facilitate the pedaling motion.

Arising from such particular arrangement, the support structure may fitthe muscles of legs and buttocks and provide a high wellness andcomfort, even to users having different body sizes, and withoutrequiring expensive additional elements or excessively complicatedstructures.

Preferably, the frame has at least one pair of differential rigidityportions, located at the sides, symmetrically with respect to thelongitudinal axis, which is defined by an elongated front portion of theframe.

Arising from this configuration, the support structure will have asufficiently wide seat surface of such shape as to limit thecompressions caused by the user's weight and, at the same time, willhave a local flexibility to also reduce the compressions and rubbingcaused by the pedaling motion, in the inside thigh areas of the user.

Suitably, at least one differential rigidity portion is located on therear edge of the frame.

Arising from this particular feature, the support structure iscomfortable and safe, even when the user stands up on the pedals of thebicycle or the like. Also, the rear edge of the support structure may beshaped in such a manner as to be of a pleasant aspect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages of the invention will be more clearlyunderstood from the detailed description of several preferred butnon-exclusive embodiments of a support structure according to theinvention, which are described by way of non-limiting examples with theaid of the annexed drawing sheets, in which:

FIG. 1 is a general partly section perspective view of a supportstructure according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a first embodiment of a part of thesupport structure shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the part shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of a part of the structure shown in FIG.2;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a second embodiment of a part of thesupport structure according to the invention;

FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the part shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the part of the structure shown inFIG. 5; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective enlarged view of a detail of the structure shownin FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With particular reference to the above mentioned figures, a supportstructure or saddle 1 according to the invention is shown. The supportstructure 1 has a seat surface 2, and is particularly designed forbicycles or other pedal driven machines e.g., exercise bicycles andtricycles.

The support structure 1 comprises a substantially rigid or semi-rigidframe 3, which is made of plastic or composite materials. For example,the frame 3 may be made by molding or injection molding of plasticmaterials, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutyleneterephthalate (PBT), polyvinylchloride (PVC), or polyamide polymers,such as PA6 and PA12. Other similar polymers can also be used. Further,the plastic materials can be molded with different types of fillers. Theframe 3 may be secured to a bicycle or a pedal driven machine byappropriate connection means 4, such as those generally known in theart. Such connection means 4 are placed on the bottom side 5 of theframe 3.

A yieldable pad 7 is secured to the top face 6 of the frame 3, to makethe seat surface 2 soft and comfortable. The yieldable pad 7 may be madeof a material having a substantially elastic behavior, such as a polymerfoam, and/or of a material having a substantially viscoplastic behavior,e.g., a gel, or of a combination thereof.

A covering layer 8 is superimposed to the yieldable pad 7 to protect thesupport structure 1 and give it a pleasant aspect. This covering layer 8may be made of several different materials, such as leather, imitationleather, and other synthetic materials, and may have a variety ofcolors.

The frame 3 has a laterally widened rear portion 9 for supporting thebuttocks of a user and an enlongated front portion 10 that defines alongitudinal axis (L).

According to the invention, the frame 3 has one or more portions 11, 11′of differential rigidity. Thus, it is possible to render morecomfortable the pedaling motion by acting directly on the most rigidcomponent of the support structure 1 without requiring any additionalelement which would complicate the product and the manufacture thereof.Further, the differential rigidity portions are useful for facilitatingthe pedaling motion of a user.

Suitably, the frame 3 has at least one recess 12, which is formed alongan outer peripheral edge 13 of the frame. Each differential rigidityportion 11, 11′ is located in the proximity of the outer peripheral edge13, in correspondence of a respective recess 12.

Advantageously, each differential rigidity portion 11, 11′ has aplurality of elongated projections 14 which extend outwardly from theirrespective recesses 12. Preferably, each of the elongated projectionsare substantially parallel to one another so as to form a comblikestructure. Such projections 14 may be monolithic with the frame 3.Particularly, each of the projections 14 belonging to a differentialrigidity portion 11, 11′ is located at a predetermined distance (H) fromthe other perspectives adjacent thereto, which distance may vary foreach projection 14, depending on the position thereof.

The spaces between the projections 14 are advantageously filled withfilling elements 15. The filling elements 15 can comprise a base elementmade of a plastic and/or elastomeric material, and the filling elements15 are preferably adapted to preserve the flexibility of the projections14 and to increase their comfort and durability. The filling elements 15may also partly cover the projections 14, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 5.

The free ends 16 of the projections 14 are substantially aligned todefine an edge 17, which is connected with the outer peripheral edge 13of the frame 3.

Each projection 14 may have such a cross section and shape as to providea predetermined flexural and shear strength when acted upon by a forcedirected both substantially normal to the seat surface 2 and along aplane substantially parallel to the seat surface 2.

Hence, each differential rigidity portion 11, 11′ contributes to supportthe weight acting on the seat surface 2, whose extension is notnoticeably reduced due to the provision of the portions 11, 11′.Therefore, if the user's weight is distributed over a wide seat surface2, the contact pressures are still low, which is advantageous for theoverall comfort of the support structure 1. Also the flexibility of theprojecting appendices 14 assists the user in his/her motion,particularly during pedaling motion.

Suitably, at least one pair of differential rigidity portions 11 ispositioned symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis L at thesides of the widened rear portion 9 and/or at the junction between thewidened rear portion 9 and the elongated front portion 10.

The selection of the differential rigidity portions 11 is addressed bythe fact that these portions continuously can cyclically contact theinside thighs of the user during the pedaling motion.

Advantageously, the frame 3 may include at least one differentialrigidity portion 11′ located on the rear edge 18 of the widened rearportion 9.

The differential rigidity portion 11′ provides a higher flexibility rearportion, which is advantageous when the user stands on the pedals of thebicycle or a similar product. Particularly, in order to run throughsteep descents or avoid obstacles, mountain-bike users would rather takea backwardly unbalanced, standing position on the pedals, or have theirbody only supported at the rear edge 18 of the widened rear portion 9.In such a position, any desired contact or accidental shock against therear edge 18 is less traumatic and dangerous thanks to the differentialrigidity portion 11′.

Further, the differential rigidity portion 11′ on the rear edge 18 doesnot cause any weakening of the frame 3 and allows to shape the rear edge18 as desired, and to confer it a pleasant aspect.

For a higher comfort of the support structure 1, the yieldable pad 7 mayhave such a size as to extend wholly or partly above the differentialrigidity portions 11, 11′. Also, for aesthetic and protection purposes,the covering layer 8 may also have such an extension as to wholly orpartly cover the differential rigidity portions 11, 11′.

The above description clearly shows that the support structure of theinvention allows to achieve the proposed objects and that particularlythe presence of the differential rigidity portions at the sides of thewidened rear portion and/or at the junction between the widened rearportion and the elongated front portion provides the double advantage ofmaking easier the pedaling motion, by improving the contact between thesupport structure and the inside thighs of the user, and of maintaininga wide seat surface, without weakening the frame or increasing thepressures exerted on the user.

The support structure according to the invention is susceptible tonumerous modifications and changes falling within the inventive conceptdisclosed in the appended claims. All the details thereof may bereplaced by other technical equivalents, and the materials may varydepending on different needs without departing from the scope of theinvention.

While the support structure has been described with particular referenceto the accompanying figures, the numerals referred to in the disclosureare only used for the sake of a better intelligibility of the inventionand shall not be intended to limit the claimed scope in any manner.

1. A support structure having a seat surface and being adaptable forattachment to a pedal operated machine, said support structurecomprising: a substantially rigid or semi-rigid frame having a top face,means for securing said frame to said pedal operated machine, ayieldable pad secured to said top face of said frame, and a coveringlayer superimposed to said yieldable pad, wherein said frame comprisesone or more differential rigidity portions.
 2. Support structure asclaimed in claim 1, wherein said pedal operated machine is selected fromthe group consisting of bicycles, tricycles, and exercise bicycles. 3.Support structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or moredifferential rigidity portions are adapted to facilitate a pedalingmotion by a user.
 4. Support structure as claimed in claim 1, whereinsaid one or more differential rigidity portions are located in theproximity of an outer peripheral edge of said frame.
 5. Supportstructure as claimed in claim 3, wherein said frame further comprises atleast one recess formed along said outer peripheral edge of said frame.6. Support structure as claimed in claim 4, wherein said one or moredifferential rigidity portions comprise a plurality of elongatedprojections.
 7. Support structure as claimed in claim 6, wherein saidelongated projections extend outwards from said at least one recessformed along said outer peripheral edge of said frame.
 8. Supportstructure as claimed in claim 6, wherein said elongated projectionsextend substantially parallel to one another so as to form a comblikestructure.
 9. Support structure as claimed in claim 8, wherein each ofsaid elongated projections are located at a predetermined distance fromthe remaining projections adjacent thereto, said predetermined distanceforming a space between said elongated projections.
 10. Supportstructure as claimed in claim 9, wherein said predetermined distancevaries for each of said elongated projections.
 11. Support structure asclaimed in claim 9, further comprising filling elements adaptable forfilling said spaces between said elongated projections.
 12. Supportstructure as claimed in claim 11, wherein said filling elements comprisea base material selected from the group consisting of a plasticmaterial, an elastomeric material, and combinations thereof.
 13. Supportstructure as claimed in claim 9, wherein said elongated projectionscomprise free ends substantially aligned to define an edge, which isconnected with said outer peripheral edge of said frame.
 14. Supportstructure as claimed in claim 6, wherein said elongated projections eachexhibit a flexural and sheer strength that depends on the loaddirection.
 15. Support structure as claimed in claim 11, wherein saidelongated projections each have a cross section and shape adapted toprovide a predetermined flexural and shear strength.
 16. Supportstructure as claimed in claim 15, wherein said predetermined flexuraland shear strength are relative to a load activity that is substantiallynormal to said seat surface and that is substantially normal to a long aplane substantially parallel to said seat surface.
 17. Support structureas claimed in claim 6, wherein said elongated projections are monolithicwith said frame.
 18. Support structure as claimed in claim 1, whereinsaid frame comprises a laterally widened rear portion adapted forsupporting the buttocks of a user and an elongated front portiondefining a longitudinal axis.
 19. Support structure as claimed in claim18, wherein at least one of said differential rigidity portions is in aposition symmetrically located with respect to said longitudinal axis.20. Support structure as claimed in claim 19, wherein said symmetricallylocated differential rigidity portion is located at a position along aside of said widened rear portion.
 21. Support structure as claimed inclaim 19, wherein said symmetrically located differential rigidityportion is located at a position corresponding to a junction betweensaid widened rear portion and said elongated front portion.
 22. Supportstructure as claimed in claim 19, where said symmetrically locateddifferential rigidity portion is located a position along a side of saidwidened rear portion and at a position corresponding to a junctionbetween said widened rear portion and said elongated front portion. 23.Support structure as claimed in claim 18, wherein at least one of saiddifferential rigidity portions is located at a position on a rear edgeof said widened rear portion.
 24. Support structure as claimed in claim1, further comprising an extension adapted to wholly or partly coversaid one or more differential rigidity portions.
 25. Support structureas claimed in claim 24, wherein said extension arises from one or moreyieldable pad and said covering layer.